I’ve heard some people install cedar shingles (sidewall) with stainless steel staples instead of nails. Im curious if anyone has any knowledge or experience with this type of fastener, and if so, what crown size is recomended? Is 1/4″ sufficient? Any information would be appreciated.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
![](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2024/04/29113159/BUILDING-SCIENCE-SYMPOSIUM-1-Large-thumb-16x9.jpeg)
Check out the lineup for the 2024 Building Science Symposium featuring experts like Steve Baczek, Dr. Joe Lstiburek, and more.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
my parents had shingle siding on house in AR. Staples were pulling out after 3 - 5 years.
It my understanding that staples is the correct installation and is recommened by the cedar shake manufactors.I believe that they should have aweb site but I do not know the correct address for it
I'd say there's a great difference between being grudgingly accepted and being recommended. It's more like, "if you are going to go ahead and use the dang staples, here's how we recommend doing it, but if you've got any interest in quality work, don't do it"
One and a quarter inch crown is more like what you need for staples. A quarter inch crown would make me expect to see them falling off in a few years.
Another very important thing is to adjust pressure and depth of drive so the grain fibrre is not crushed or split.
I have crews that use them and I will accept them if done right so as not to damage the shingle b ut pulling the wood snug. Personally, I hand nail. But I recognize that I'm a dinosaur..
Excellence is its own reward!
ROAR!! brother....this dinosaur is with you. Hand nail with stainless.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
We've got a double roar!
Anybody else like to do it right?.
Excellence is its own reward!
yup... bostich n65 with 4d SS ringshankMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I stand corrected... by the way http://www.cedarbureau.org
http://www.cedarbureau.org/techinfo/wallmanual/wallmanual_5.html.
Excellence is its own reward!
Main reason why people use staples instead of Stainless nails is cost. Both the cost of the nails and the cost of the gun. If you are going to use staples I would recommend a medium crown stapler. Set the regulated pressure at 80 psi. Two staples per shingle. We normaly use a 1" staple.